Flash

[ericdrichards]

I need a new flash! Mine is so ghetto it kills me. My buddy swears by his $350 super-duper flash, but I am hoping to get closer to the $100-$200 range.

Any suggestions?

And I will buy the infamouns Fong Dong to go with it.

Any help would be appreciated!

Eric

ericdrichards@gmail.com

[Ronin]

I recommend the Nikon SB-600 and you can buy it here: http://www.adorama.com/NKSB600AFU.html

I replaced using a very large and heavy SB-800 with 2 SB-600's and really haven't lost anything and have gained a great portable wireless lighting system using the Nikon Commander mode and the 2 SB-600's.

The range is a little longer on the SB-800 but otherwise feature for feature the SB-600 is equivalent in my opinion.

Good luck!

Don

[Strayz]

what system do you shoot? Nikon, Canon, or nonrelated other? there are soem great deals out there and there are some good flashes that are dirt cheep if you are willing to work in manual. So what is that a Speed graphix 6x8 in your hands?

[ericdrichards]

Hey friends -

I've decided on the Nikon SB600 for my flash and the Cloud Lighsphere from Gary Fong.

I am now going to buy a flash bracket (everyone seems to swear by them, right?)

Duuuumb question. This will expose the green behind my ears for sure!

I am buying a flash bracket - http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-Bracket-Grip-Nikon-D70-D1X-D1H-Digital-Camera-NEW_W0QQitemZ120084839532QQihZ002QQcategoryZ107933 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

my question is simple - how will my flash connect with the flash when using a flash bracket? Supiud question, huh?

I appreciate anyone with true humility that will condescend down to my level and help me through this learning curve.

There must be a wire or something to connect the camera to the flash - to sync them - right???

Eric
ericdrichards@gmail.com - for those that wish to respond privately given the insignificance of my question.

[ImE]

Fong says you don't need to use a flash bracket with his device. I got one a few weeks ago and havn't used it much, but my playing with it mounted directly to the camera seems to indicate that no bracket is needed.

If you do use a bracket you'll have to get a cord that goes from your camera to the flash.

[ericdrichards]

I will forgo the bracket and save myself $150 with not having the buy the cord and the bracket ---

Thanks! This forum ruuuules!

ERIC

[snopho296]

there are soem great deals out there and there are some good flashes that are dirt cheep if you are willing to work in manual.

Nothing wrong with cheap flashes but do your research to make sure the voltages are compatible. It shouldn't be an issue with the new equipment but some old flashes will send enough voltage back into your camera to fry the delicate electronics.

[Scott Aitken]

I do a lot of event photography, and use the Fong Lightsphere several times a week. It works better than any other diffuser I've tried before.

If you are using a Lightsphere, you do not need a bracket.

A Lightphere works best on a flash head that both rotates and swivels. It isn't a requirement, but it makes using it easier and more efficient. If you are saving $150 on a bracket, maybe you can spend a bit more on a good flash.

I'm a Canon shooter, and am not as familiar with Nikon gear. You can theoretically use cheap flashes, but you will be better off using a flash that is compatible with the TTL metering system of your camera. You will get much more accurate flash exposure that way.